New grant program would fund tree planting to cut home energy costs

What does this do?

This bill would create a Department of Energy grant program to fund tree planting around homes to reduce heating and cooling energy use. The Secretary of Energy would work with the U.S. Forest Service to launch the program within 90 days of enactment. The goal is to plant at least 300,000 trees per year, with priority given to lower-income areas, places with few trees, and communities with many children or seniors.

Who does it affect?

Local governments, state governments, tribes, nonprofits, and power companies could apply for grants. Homeowners, renters in eligible neighborhoods, and local workers hired for planting could also be affected.

Why does it matter?

Trees placed strategically can shade homes in summer and block wind in winter, which may reduce residential energy use over time.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Feds cover 90% of costs
• $50 million per year
• Funded 2026 through 2030